How to play two up: Australia's Anzac Day coin game

What is two-up?

Two-up is a simple coin game: a spinner tosses two pennies in the air from a flat wooden paddle, and everyone around the ring bets on whether they'll land heads or tails. It's loud, it's fast, and it's about as Australian as gambling gets. Diggers played it in the trenches of the First World War, and every Anzac Day pubs and RSL clubs across the country fill up with people keeping that memory alive, one toss at a time.

If you've ever wondered what all the shouting is about, here's how the game works.

How does a game of two-up run?

1. The ring is set. Punters stand around a circle marked on the floor. A ringie (the ring-keeper) runs the game.
2. A spinner steps up. The spinner places two coins on the kip and bets that they'll come down heads.
3. The punters bet. People around the ring shout and pair up their bets: one backing heads, the other tails, usually at even money.
4. "Come in spinner!" The ringie calls the spinner in once the bets are set.
5. The toss. The spinner flicks both coins high above head height, and they must land in the ring.
6. The result. The coins decide it, as below.

Some games have extra rules: for example, a spinner who throws five "odds" in a row loses. Rules differ from ring to ring, so ask the ringie before you start.

What's the two-up lingo?

• Kip: the flat wooden paddle the coins are tossed from.
• Spinner: the person tossing the coins.
• Ringie or boxer: the person running the game.
• Heads, tails and odds: the three possible results.
• Come in spinner: the call to toss.
• Head 'em up: what everyone shouts as the coins go up, hoping for heads.

Where and when is two-up legal?

Two-up is generally legal on Anzac Day, 25 April, in most states, and that's when pubs, clubs and RSLs run games. Outside Anzac Day it's mostly not permitted, with a few exceptions such as the long-running licensed two-up school in Broken Hill. Rules differ by state, so if you're running a game, check your state's rules first.

Why does it belong to Anzac Day?

Two-up was a favourite pastime of Australian soldiers during the First World War, played in camps and trenches far from home. Playing it on Anzac Day is part of how many Australians remember them, alongside the dawn service and the march. It's a bit of fun with a bit of history, and that's exactly the spirit to keep it in.

How do you keep it a bit of fun?

Two-up is a game of pure chance with fast rounds, which is exactly why stakes can creep up. Decide what you're happy to spend before you join the ring, keep your bets small, and walk away when it's gone. If gambling's stopped being fun, Gambling Help Online is free and confidential on 1800 858 858, any time. For a bit of fun with the bookies' biggest race instead, see our guide to betting on the Melbourne Cup.

Gambling is for adults only (18+).